The animated film ‘Madagascar’ featured a scene set in Grand Central Terminal. See more photos of the landmark station in pop culture.

Robert DeNiro, Sarah Jessica Parker and Woody Allen have nothing on Grand Central Terminal, one of New York City’s more glamorous movie stars.

The train station’s gleaming halls, packed staircases and signature clock have had star turns in some of Hollywood’s biggest hits across the decades. Filmmakers have set their police chases, cute meetings and emotional farewells inside the Beaux Arts building, which celebrates its 100th birthday Friday.

Cary Grant plotted his escape from New York City in a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest.” Lex Luthor’s lackey in “Superman” is tailed by police through the station. More recently, the final battle scene of “The Avengers” was fought in the century-old station.

On the small screen, the pilot episode of “Gossip Girl” opened inside Grand Central.

As The Journal reported Friday, Katherine Oliver, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, describes the landmark building as one of New York’s more sought-after filming locations. Last year, officials said, about 500 permits were issued for filming and photography inside the station.

“It creates the backdrop for an emotional scene for someone anxiously awaiting a loved one or bidding farewell,” said Ms. Oliver.